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How to Handle Scandal: Current Events and Lesson Planning

Sometimes events in the news – including dicey ones – find their way into the classroom. This may happen due to student curiosity or lack of understanding, or because a scandalous event has far-reaching impact. When this happens, it's important to decide what you can and cannot say as an educator.

Individual schools and districts may have policies guiding teacher responses to sensitive issues, and we urge you to consult with an administrator before addressing these topics. At the very least, however, we'd like to help you fully understand the story. How to Handle Scandal features will appear when the news dictates and will be updated as details change. As this new content area grows, please check this page for the latest scandals.

How to Handle Scandal: Donald Sterling
The NBA banned the L.A. Clippers' owner from the league for life and fined him $2.5 million, following alleged racist comments he made while being secretly recorded by his girlfriend.

How to Handle Scandal: Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden, a former intelligence contractor at the CIA and National Security Agency, leaked to The Guardian newspaper information on mass surveillance programs carried out by the U.S. and British governments. Talk with stuents about the issues this case raises.

How to Handle Scandal: Rod Blagojevich
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been convicted on 17 of 20 criminal counts, including an attempt to "sell" a Senate seat. Here's a rundown of events for class discussion.

How to Handle Scandal: Anthony Weiner
Congressman Anthony Weiner admitted to sending racy pictures of himself to multiple women using Twitter. Need help addressing this scandal with students?

How to Handle Scandal: John Edwards
Former U.S. Senator John Edwards, who was a Democratic presidential contender in 2008, has been indicted for allegedly using campaign funds to cover up an affair.